Macaranga heterophylla
Macaranga heterophyllia, commonly known as the "Macaranga" plant, is a versatile medicinal species native to tropical regions. Renowned for its bioactive compounds, it is utilized in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. This study explores its phytochemical properties, therapeutic potential, and its significant role in ethnobotanical healing practices.
- Scientific name: Macaranga heterophylla
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Malpighiales and the family Euphorbiaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus name Macaranga.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Macaranga | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant is primarily found within the lush landscapes of West Tropical Africa. Its specific distribution encompasses several key nations across this vibrant region. For instance, it can be located within the borders of Benin and Ghana. Furthermore, the species is known to inhabit Guinea-Bissau and Guinea as well. Finally, its geographical range extends into the territory of the Ivory Coast.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea-Bissau | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Liberia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Senegal | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Sierra Leone | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Togo | WCVP |
Chemicals
Macaranga heterophylla has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cd, Pb, arsenic, cadmium, lead.
- Total chemicals
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Cd | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Pb | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| arsenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cadmium | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lead | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |